Nothing works in air traffic without security checks. The hindrances are correspondingly great when inspectors stop work. Tens of thousands of passengers are feeling this today.
A warning strike by aviation security forces disrupted the travel plans of several passengers at eleven German airports. The walkout began early in the morning at most locations.
For example, boarding is not possible at the largest German hub in Frankfurt. Of 1,120 planned flight movements, around 310 were initially canceled, as a spokesman for the operator Fraport announced. Lufthansa had announced that it would maintain the majority of its program in Frankfurt, including long-distance flights, especially for those connecting.
The effects were different at other airports: In Berlin, for example, all take-offs and many arrivals were canceled. The terminal was deserted. In Düsseldorf, a third of the take-offs and landings were canceled. In Cologne/Bonn, where there has been a strike since Wednesday evening, almost nothing happened. “Almost all flights are canceled,” said a spokeswoman.
Passengers usually receive information about their connections and alternatives from their respective airline. The airports themselves often provide information on the status of take-offs and landings on their websites.
An estimated 200,000 passengers are affected
According to estimates by the airport association ADV, a total of around 1,100 flights will be canceled or delayed. An estimated 200,000 passengers are affected. Normal flight operations should not be possible until Friday. Then the next warning strike by the Verdi union is planned – nationwide in local public transport.
In the collective bargaining dispute, the employees at the checkpoints have been called upon to strike. If they stop work completely, no outside passenger will come to the aircraft in the security area. The important Munich hub and Nuremberg Airport, where public sector employees work, will not be on strike.
Verdi is demanding 2.80 euros more wages per hour, higher functional bonuses and overtime bonuses from the first hour of overtime for the around 25,000 industry employees nationwide. The new collective agreement should run for one year. According to employers, these demands would mean additional costs of 250 million euros this year alone. The collective bargaining parties want to continue negotiations on Tuesday.
Source: Stern
